District of Columbia

The winning Powerball numbers for Wednesday, August 12, 2026, were announced as 26-67-69-66-4 with a Red Ball number of 9. The Powerball option is available for $2 per play and drawings occur in various locations including the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee. Jackpot winners may choose their prize payout between an annuity or a lump sum payment.

Donald Trump hosted the IndyCar event in Washington D.C., featuring open-wheel race cars that approach 200 mph on a track where the speed limit is 25 mph. This was positioned as part of America's 250th birthday celebration, though critics noted the events put little focus on the country's specific history or founding. Roger Penske led the effort to stage the event and is paying for the vast majority of necessary road improvements.

Donald Trump hosted an IndyCar race, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, in Washington D.C., where open-wheel cars can reach speeds near 200 mph despite a 25 mph speed limit. The event is part of a series of gatherings organized by Trump marking America's semiquincentennial birthday, which will take place on a track spanning 250 miles over 147 laps.

Over 20 states and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration to block access to personal information of recipients of a benefits program for low-income families. The lawsuit aims to prevent wide access to social services information.

More than 20 states and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration to block it from accessing personal information of recipients of a benefits program for low-income families. The lawsuit aims to prevent the administration from obtaining wide access to data related to social services recipients.

20 states and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration to block access to personal data of low-income families through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. The lawsuit seeks to prevent sharing recipients' immigration status, Social Security numbers, and other information with immigration authorities or private entities. The states argue the policy misuses antipoverty programs and could harm vulnerable populations.

23 states and the District of Columbia are urging the Supreme Court to maintain a federal court order blocking the federal government from implementing provisions of an executive order on mail-in voting ahead of the November 2026 elections. The executive order, issued by President Donald Trump, requires federal agencies to create voter eligibility lists and restrict USPS ballot transmission, which the states argue infringes on state authority over elections. A lower court blocked the order's implementation for 2026 elections but allowed challenges related to the upcoming midterms.

President Trump is in a dispute with 23 states and the District of Columbia over election rules and mail-in ballots. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson discusses the legal implications.

The Trump administration requested the Supreme Court to permit an executive order altering mail-in voting procedures ahead of midterms. A federal appeals court previously blocked the order in 23 states and D.C., citing constitutional authority over election rules resting with states and Congress.

A federal appeals court rejected President Trump's attempt to enforce an executive order tightening mail-in voting rules in 23 states, maintaining a lower court's injunction blocking key provisions. The 2-1 decision by the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied the Department of Justice's request to pause implementation, citing impending election deadlines.

A coalition of Democratic state attorneys general has joined a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s halt of onshore wind projects, which has stalled over 155 projects due to the Department of Defense refusing to conduct national security reviews. The states argue the federal government has unlawfully blocked renewable energy development without providing a reasonable explanation.

The national death rate in the U.S. fell to a historic low in 2025, with Northeastern states like New Jersey, Rhode Island, and New York experiencing the largest declines since 2015. The drop is attributed to reduced rates of drug overdoses, gun homicides, and traffic accidents, alongside long-term healthcare expansion efforts. However, the Trump administration's proposed cuts to Medicaid and rural hospital funding threaten to undermine these gains.

Over two dozen states and the District of Columbia sued the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA, challenging new immigration and election requirements for federal grant funding. The states argue the requirements, including voter citizenship verification and compliance with federal immigration enforcement, violate the Administrative Procedure Act and the U.S. Constitution's spending clause.

The U.S. national death rate fell to a historic low in 2025, with Northeastern states like New Jersey, Rhode Island, and New York seeing significant drops in death rates between 2015 and 2025. These declines are attributed to healthcare expansion, reduced firearm deaths, and lower traffic accident rates, though some experts warn that recent policy shifts threatening Medicaid and rural hospitals could undermine progress.

The U.S. death rate reached a historic low in 2025, with Northeastern states like New Jersey, Rhode Island, and New York experiencing the largest declines since 2015. Experts attribute these drops to healthcare expansion, reduced traffic accidents, and lower firearm deaths, though federal efforts to cut Medicaid and rural hospital funding threaten future progress.

The U.S. death rate fell to a historic low in 2025, with Northeastern states like New Jersey and Massachusetts seeing significant drops due to healthcare expansion, traffic safety, and gun violence measures. However, federal efforts to cut Medicaid and rural hospital funding threaten these gains.

A coalition of Democratic state attorneys general has joined a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s halt of onshore wind projects, citing over 155 stalled projects due to the Department of Defense’s refusal to conduct required national security reviews. The states argue the sudden policy shift lacks justification and impedes renewable energy development.

Maine Democrats organized a mini-primary to replace their US Senate nominee, while Wisconsin Democrats endorsed a candidate after another's campaign collapsed. The party faces challenges over legitimacy and accusations of rigging primaries, with Ben Wikler advocating for year-round organizing and structural reforms.

A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration misused a federal provision to revoke billions in approved grant funding due to shifting priorities, violating established guidelines. The decision supports 23 states and the District of Columbia, which argued the revocations were unlawful and threatened critical programs.

A Republican bill introduced by Rep. James Comer would require Congressional approval for any tax or fee changes in the District of Columbia. Currently, Congress has 30 days to challenge such changes, but the bill would extend this to 60 days and flip the process to require an affirmative vote. D.C. officials, including Council Chair Phil Mendelson and Council member Robert White, oppose the bill, arguing it would undermine local authority.

The 2023-24 school year saw K-12 public education in the U.S. receive $1 trillion in revenue, with 22% more inflation-adjusted funding than a decade prior despite a 1.1% decline in student numbers. Per-student spending varied widely, from over $30,000 in New York and D.C. to around $11,000-$12,000 in states like Idaho and Utah, while teacher salaries increased nominally but not in inflation-adjusted terms.

A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration cannot cancel grants based on new rules established after the fact, blocking efforts to terminate billions in federal grant awards. The decision denies the administration's request to dismiss a lawsuit from 20 states, three governors, and the District of Columbia challenging grant cancellations since President Donald Trump's inauguration.

Darline Graham was sworn in as the U.S. Senate replacement for her late brother, Lindsey Graham, following an appointment by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster. She was sworn in by Iowa GOP Sen. Chuck Grassley and will serve until January 2026. Darline Graham leads the South Carolina Commission for the Blind and is the first woman to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate.

Darline Graham was sworn in as a U.S. Senator for South Carolina to fill her late brother Lindsey Graham's seat, who died from an aortic dissection. Appointed by Governor Henry McMaster and recommended by President Donald Trump, she was sworn in by Chuck Grassley, becoming the first woman from South Carolina in the Senate.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Darline Graham Nordone to finish the term of her brother, the late Senator Lindsey Graham, following his sudden death. Graham Nordone, who heads the state Commission for the Blind, will serve until the term expires in January 2026.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced two proposed housing laws aimed at protecting affordable housing and modernizing housing laws. The bills include the Housing Investment Protection Act to improve tenant support during repairs and streamline eviction processes, and the Illegal Occupancy Enforcement Amendment Act to clarify short-term rental rules and police authority to remove overstaying guests.

All 50 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, have joined a federal initiative aimed at balancing the ratio of licensed foster homes and children in foster care.

Ankrit Jain, Washington, D.C.’s shadow senator, urged Governor Gretchen Whitmer to recall Michigan National Guard troops stationed in D.C. for the America250 celebration, citing credible evidence they were deployed in Georgetown. Jain and a coalition of civil society groups, including Free DC, argue the troops’ presence contradicts Whitmer’s claims they were deployed solely for the anniversary event.

The US Department of Justice sent letters to all 50 states and the District of Columbia, threatening criminal charges for officials if noncitizens vote. State officials criticized the federal demands for voter data as 'truly bizarre behavior' amid unproven claims about noncitizen voting.

The Mega Millions jackpot has reached $604 million for Friday's drawing after no winner in Tuesday's draw, marking the 11th time the jackpot has exceeded $600 million since 2002. The cash option is $266 million, and ticket prices increased from $2 to $5 in 2023. The lottery is played in 45 states, DC, and USVI, excluding Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah.

The Trump administration has narrowed the definition of 'medically frail' for Medicaid exemptions from work requirements, requiring significant health conditions and impairment in work ability. States worry this change could lead to coverage loss for sick and disabled enrollees, prompting a lawsuit from 25 Democratic-led states. Medicaid agencies face challenges implementing the new guidelines, which add documentation hurdles for recipients.

The District of Columbia settled a lawsuit with Sam O’Hara, a protester who played Darth Vader’s theme song while tailing an Ohio National Guard patrol, alleging unlawful detention and excessive force. O’Hara received $50,000 and claimed his protest was satire targeting President Donald Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops.

25 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia have sued the Trump administration over new Medicaid work requirements, arguing the federal guidance narrows the 'medically frail' exemption, making it harder for disabled or ill individuals to remain on Medicaid. The lawsuit challenges the administration's interpretation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which mandates monthly work or community service for Medicaid recipients in expanded eligibility states.

25 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia have sued the Trump administration over Medicaid work requirements, challenging new federal guidance that narrows the 'medically frail' exemption. The lawsuit argues the guidance makes it difficult for disabled and ill individuals to remain on Medicaid.

25 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia have sued the Trump administration over new Medicaid work requirements, arguing the 'medically frail' exemption is too narrow. The lawsuit challenges federal guidance that narrows who qualifies for exemptions from the 80-hour monthly work requirement under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

A man received a $50,000 settlement from the District of Columbia after a lawsuit claiming he was detained for playing Darth Vader's theme song while following an Ohio National Guard patrol. The case resolved without additional details about the man's identity or the specific circumstances of the detention.

25 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia have sued the Trump administration over new Medicaid work requirements, arguing the federal guidance narrows the definition of 'medically frail' and makes it harder for disabled or ill individuals to remain on Medicaid. The lawsuit challenges the implementation of work rules under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which requires Medicaid recipients in 40 states to work or engage in community service for 80 hours monthly.

25 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia have sued the Trump administration over Medicaid work requirements, arguing the new federal guidance narrows the definition of 'medically frail' and makes it harder for disabled and ill individuals to remain on Medicaid. The lawsuit challenges the administration's implementation of work requirements under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which mandates 80 hours of monthly work or community service for Medicaid eligibility in expanded programs.

The Supreme Court ruled that states can count mailed ballots arriving after Election Day if postmarked by Election Day, rejecting a Republican-led challenge. The decision preserves laws in over half the states and the District of Columbia, which allow such ballots under specific deadlines. The case originated in Mississippi and involved Trump’s administration and political parties disputing federal election timing rules.

The Great American State Fair, organized by Freedom 250 (created by President Donald Trump), features exhibits from U.S. states and territories, including a dinosaur rib cage and interactive displays. The event overlaps with tensions between Freedom 250 and the congressionally established America 250 group, which was meant to plan the nation's 250th anniversary. Visitors expressed mixed views, with some praising the fair's celebration of American diversity and others criticizing its perceived political symbolism.